Bengaluru
In preparation for Diwali, the Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BBMP) has designated 70 playgrounds to host 426 temporary firecracker shops, prioritizing safety to prevent accidents during the festive season. The BBMP has shared a comprehensive list of the selected playgrounds and the corresponding number of shops with the police commissioner’s office. To ensure the safety of these locations, the police will collaborate with fire and emergency services for thorough inspections. Following the safety assessments, applications from prospective firecracker shop owners will be accepted. This proactive measure was prompted by a tragic fire that occurred in October at a firecracker warehouse in Attibele, claiming the lives of 17 individuals. A subsequent government investigation revealed safety violations in numerous firecracker shops. Tushar Giri Nath, the BBMP’s chief commissioner, has directed local officials to identify secure playgrounds suitable for firecracker shop setups. Following extensive inspections, a list of approved playgrounds and the allowable number of shops was submitted to the police commissioner’s office. According to the list, the east zone is set to have the most shops, with 101 across 23 playgrounds. The south zone is projected to host 87 shops, while the Bommanahalli zone will have the fewest, with six shops distributed among three grounds. The Karnataka government implemented multiple safety measures following a tragic firecracker accident near Bengaluru that resulted in 17 fatalities. These measures include a ban on the use of regular firecrackers during political events, festivals, religious processions, and weddings. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have stressed the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s mandate to exclusively use green crackers. Violations of this ban may result in legal action, and strict regulations will govern firework sales in Bengaluru and other cities across the state.
